Oct 27 2008
For Alcoholics, Higher Power Makes A Difference
“I cried to the Lord and He answered by setting me free” PSALMS 118:5
Alcoholism is such a destabilizing illness that can remove one from their life’s direction in a very short time. Heavy drinking leading to loss of family, livelihood, position in your community and your health can leave you exhausted and morally depleted. With their backs firmly against the wall and facing a frightful future, most alcoholics will turn to their Higher Power for the strength they need to make the difficult decisions.
This particular moment in an alcoholic’s existence is the turning point for many. It is the epiphany they speak of years later when they knew something momentous, even miraculous, occurred that changed their lives finally giving them the glimmer of hope that they could tightly grasp. When all hope seems lost, they cry out to their higher power for help and guidance. There is a personal and poignant reunion between themselves and their God.
Many have not prayed in years. Some are too stubborn to admit defeat and continue to suffer. Those who take the simple step to ask their Higher Power for help because they are beaten, tired, and sick will usually find the peace they were so desperately seeking. Alcoholics at this stage of their addiction will either yield their Higher Power or passively give in to alcoholism’s grave intentions.
There are many reasons why alcoholics will not seek this assistance from their Higher Power, the most obvious being they do not believe so they refuse to be a hypocrite - stubborn to the end. Those that have accepted the hand that is offered to them in their time of great need are both enlightened and humbled by the happening.
Even after the drinking has stopped, many recovering alcoholics will be in need of this extraordinary intervention, suffering through recovery wondering why some are having an easier time of it than they are. These others seem to be happier, at peace with things as if they have knowledge of something the non-believer does not.
So while an alcoholic may be able to stop drinking on their own without the aid of their Higher Power, there is no need to hit bottom in order to save ones self from the indignity of advanced alcoholism. They may even make it for a few months or perhaps even years on their own, but this white-knuckle approach to sobriety does not come close to the satisfaction and personal well-being associated with knowing you are never going to be alone again.
When an alcoholic battles with the opportunity to find serenity because of their Higher Power’s direct involvement in their recovery, they are doing themselves a great disservice. When you have been personally touched by divinity in your battle to beat alcohol, there is no need to feel you are now committed to a life of bible thumping. How you change spiritually after the fact is entirely personal and between your Higher Power and yourself.
When in your hour of need, it is not necessary to bargain for this other worldly intercession; making deals is not the objective. This concerns a failing human being who is in dire need of help who only commits to doing their best to be a better person than they have shown while drinking. Mustering the faith to “let go and let God” in the worst moment of ones life is enough to open communication with your Higher Power and this will in turn open your heart as well.
Spirituality is the first casualty of alcoholism and sadly the last thing to return before an alcoholic begins to see hope in their future and the possibility of regaining the life they thought they would never have again.
This is the silent Promise, the exceptional Gift to you from your Higher Power with no strings attached.
To set up an appointment with Michael Pearlman, M.D.,
Call 1 (866) 285-3400 toll-free or (617) 620-2230,
Or complete and submit our
Appointment Form
For further information about Michael Pearlman, M.D.’s proven treatment program
follow this link now.
Learn more about the FreedomFromAlcohol Method.
When an individual has stopped drinking went into treatment remaining sober what are their personality traits? Are they moody, do they have headaches, are they grumpy and sensitive most of the time? What can a family member do when their moody, grumpy, having headaches become easily angered when asked of a question. How does a recovering alcoholic define the word control? Why would they think a lovely person is controlling when the person is not? What does controlling mean?
Thank you for your comments. The personality traits in early recovery are not all that much different from the traits prior to cessation of alcohol. The process of recovery and return to health and well being is variable in everyone. The recovery personality is dependent on the personality prior to excess drinking. So, if someone is gracious, loving and wise - that will, after a time, emerge. Likewise if someone has a less developed personality - that too will emerge. In any event, there is great hope that following the principles and practice of a good recovery program - all may experience the joy, freedom and gratitude that come with meaningful invovement in a recovery program.
Family members often need counseling and or guidance as they have been at the effect of an active alcoholic and that may leave some resentments and scars. The Alanon program is an excellent resource - as are books on co-dependence.
As to the definition or understanding of ‘control’ in alcoholism recovery - that is an individual determination - it is really in the eye of the beholder - either one does or does not feel: controlling, in control or controlled. The answers are all ‘valid’ - and suggest room for discussion.
The questions I ask patients are:
How comfortable are you with your life?
What’s going well in your life?
What would be ideal? and
What’s not working in your life?
The answer to these questions suggest areas that need attention.
I hope the above will help you in your search for understanding of the complex process of ‘alcoholism’.
Dr. Pearlman